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Millions of Missourians have dogs, and most dogs would never attack anyone. When dogs do bite people, though, the results are often catastrophic. In addition to severe physical injuries, people who sustain dog bite injuries often experience deep psychological distress and a sharp drop in their daily quality of life.
The Kansas City dog bite attorneys at Holland Injury Law, LLC, want to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries. Our team has more than 30 years of legal experience, and we have recovered more than $150 million in compensation for our clients. Moreover, we treat our clients like members of our own family, handling all the legal work of your case while you focus on healing.
Call (816) 575-6087 today or reach out online for a free case evaluation with our Kansas City dog bite lawyers.
People often underestimate the harm a dog can cause when it bites someone. Larger breeds can bite with enough force to break bones and tear through muscle tissue, while smaller breeds can still cause scarring and other injuries when they bite. A Kansas City dog attack injury attorney can help you pursue compensation if you’ve suffered any of the following:
First, write down the details of the attack as soon as you can. Include the date, time, location, and circumstances that led to the bite. If anyone witnessed the attack, try to get their contact information. Take pictures of your injuries, the location of the incident, and, if possible, the dog that bit you. It’s also important to follow your prescribed treatment plan to the letter, as failing to do so can jeopardize a personal injury claim.
Next, report the dog bite to local authorities in Kansas City. This might include animal control or the local police department. A formal report creates an official record of the incident, which is crucial for any legal proceedings.
Make sure you keep all records of your medical treatment, including doctor’s visits, diagnoses, treatments, and any prescriptions. These records can help prove the extent and severity of your injuries.
Be cautious about discussing the incident, especially with insurance companies or the dog’s owner, until you have legal representation. Avoid accepting blame or making statements that an insurance company could use against you in legal proceedings.
Finally, consult a dog attack injury attorney in Kansas City. They can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and represent you in dealings with insurance companies or in court.
Some states use the so-called “one-bite rule” in dog bite claims. In these states, the law says that you cannot sue a dog’s owner for a bite unless you can show the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous.
Missouri is NOT one of those states. Under Missouri law, a dog owner or possessor is strictly liable for any harm that results if their dog bites someone who is on public property or who is legally on private property, whether or not the dog had previously exhibited vicious tendencies. The dog owner or possessor is also liable for damage to any property or livestock the dog causes. The law specifically states that if the injured party was in any way at fault, their compensation shall be reduced by the same percentage as their fault for the injury.
This potential reduction in your financial recovery is just one reason to engage the help of a Kansas City animal attack attorney. They know how to reduce their clients’ degree of fault in order to maximize their potential payout.
Missouri law says you must file a personal injury lawsuit within five years of your injury date to preserve your right to compensation. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the five-year deadline passes, the courts will likely dismiss your case automatically, no matter how strong your claim is.
However, consider contacting a dog bite lawyer in Kansas City as soon as possible after the incident. You want to give your attorney as much time as possible to work on your case, and they can preserve evidence from the scene before it deteriorates.
The value of a dog bite claim depends on your injuries, whether you must miss work, whether your injuries have any long-term effects, and other factors. These factors vary from case to case, but an experienced Kansas City dog bite attorney can demand compensation for many of your losses, including:
Having an experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in a dog bite claim. A knowledgeable lawyer understands the nuances of the state and city’s dog bite laws and can manage the legal process for you.
Your lawyer can also thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong argument to support your claim. This includes negotiating with insurance companies, who often aim to minimize payouts. A seasoned dog bite attorney in Kansas City can counteract these tactics to help you recover maximum compensation.
Finally, a Kansas City animal attack lawyer can help you prepare for a trial if negotiations with the insurance company fall through. While civil trials undoubtedly carry certain risks, working with a capable attorney gives you a much stronger chance of winning and holding the dog’s owner accountable for your injuries.
You have no time to waste if you have sustained injuries from a dog bite. The Kansas City dog bite attorneys at Holland Injury Law, LLC, have significant experience with these cases and can make this process as painless as possible. Call us today or complete our contact form for a complimentary consultation.
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